Poll

Today's Opinions

As I write this, it’s Election Day. According to Owen County Clerk Joan Kincaid, it looks like a lot of people are coming out to vote on this topic.
The fight over the wet/dry issue wasn’t particularly bloody thank goodness.
When I was the editor of the Times-Tribune in Corbin, the local-option issue came to a vote and it made for some strange bedfellows.

Over the past several weeks, I have been reading the “Letters to the Editor” over the wet/dry issue.
I, for one, am against the issue of Owen County becoming wet but I do believe that everyone should have the right to give their own opinion about the topic. However, if people are going to give their opinion about it, they should make sure that their facts are correct.

On April 10, 1984, I lost my father to the actions of a drunken driver.
My father and mother had just eaten lunch. Daddy gave her a quick kiss and went outside to finish mowing the grass. He never came back in.
At that same time, two young men had been out on the river drinking beer with some friends. On their way home, they saw Daddy and decided to scare the “old man.” Daddy was 72, in perfect health and enjoying retirement after working 41 years for the Alabama Power Company.

I have personally been affected by alcohol in my life. Those who say that alcohol isn’t harmful are not facing reality. Anything that hinders your mind from thinking clearly and makes you do things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do sober is harmful.
Who will benefit from Owen County going wet? A few greedy people who think that they can prosper from contributing to the delinquency of a county.
We already have a terrible drug problem in Owen County. We don’t need alcohol sales too.

If you have ever had a close friend or family member who suffered from alcoholism, you will definitely know you should vote “no” on July 26. We are encouraged in God’s word to not do anything to cause anyone else to stumble. (Romans 4:21) While we all fall short of that at times, why intentionally do something we know can be so destructive for our county? “Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1.

I hope all registered voters go to the polls and vote on July 26. This is a privilege that a majority of the world’s population does not enjoy. This freedom and many others have come at a great price to those who have served our country and protected our democracy. It is my hope that we will respect each other during this time of voting.

It’s been with great interest I’ve followed the letters and comments about the issue of voting our county wet.
I’ve been a proud Owen countian for some 45 years. I’ve considered most of the people here caring folks who want only the best for their neighbors. I’m no longer sure of that.
Our thinking has become selfish and unbalanced. Money seems to be all many people care about — the taxes we can collect from the sale of alcohol.